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Empowerand Care Organization (EACO) Ugandais a Community Based Organization (CBO) operating in Mukono county and Marachadistrict, Uganda. EACO’s mission is to reduce poverty andHIV/AIDS through the creation of economic empowerment, educationalopportunities, and support for disadvantaged groups of people. EACO’sactivities are targeted toward vulnerable women, particularly widows and thoseliving with HIV/AIDS, as well as vulnerable children, youth, and the elderly. EACO believes that effective and sustainabledevelopment comes through empowerment programmes, where vulnerable members ofthe community are given the skills, motivation and support to improve theirlives and communities. EACO is alwaysstriving to improve its services and welcomes international volunteers.

EACO Volunteers

They are people just like you! EACO volunteers, like our clients, come from allwalks of life. Our volunteers vary in age, ethnicity, faith, gender, sexualorientation, and professional backgrounds. Some volunteers do the work becausethey want to do something outside of work. Some have experienced the loss of aloved one and the experience changed their lives. Some just like to helppeople. Our volunteers are students, lawyers, accountants, electricians,marketers, sales people, human resource people, homemakers, teachers, andretired people. Many volunteers state that their life is rich and fulfilled andthey want to "give back" to their community.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering in EACO is very rewarding. You get to meet many different types ofpeople and form solid relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, andcaring. As a EACO volunteer you will:

• Make a difference in people's lives

• Develop a wide network

• Develop a range of skills and experience that can be used in everyday life

• Receive ongoing education and development

• Do your part in bringing about social change

Each week, your gift of time will help nourish and sustain the quality of lifefor someone living with a terminal illness.

EACOhas vast opportunities including: - HIV care and counseling. - Deliveringsupport, materials and writing reports on EACO project progress. -Teaching atschools and co-ordinating peer education projects. -Assisting withadministration. -Delivering training to staff and volunteers on relevantissues. -Assisting with building projects. -Writing grant proposals. EACO particularly welcomes skilledprofessionals that can help the organization to improve and develop, but EACOwelcomes the enthusiasm and commitment of all willing volunteers. EACO iscommitted to ensuring all voluntary experiences are as mutually beneficial aspossible, and can find accommodation with local families or in guest houses.Regardless of the duration of your time, EACO will welcome you as one of thefamily, and give you the chance to make life-long friends in the community,REALLY make a difference, and work with a truly inspirational community based organization.

All volunteers arewelcome, but EACO is particularly interested in developing projects throughworking with skilled professionals.

HealthRequirements:

Volunteers must takeanti-malaria pills.

Cost toVolunteer:

EACO strives to makevolunteering as cost effective as possible, but he/she must cover the followingexpenses: travel, insurance, food, accommodation and medical assistance.

Equipment/Clothing:

Suitable clothes forhot/rainy climate. EACO is a wellrespected organization, both in the community and internationally. We ask that volunteers are clean andpresentable when undertaking their work in the community.

Insurance:

Volunteer'sresponsibility.

NationalitiesAccepted:

No restrictions.

When to Apply:

Minimum of two weeksin advance.

CRITERIA

Total ProjectsWorldwide Including UK 6

Total UK projects 0

Total Numberof Volunteers Placed Each Year 9

16 to 25 YearOld Volunteers Placed Each year 5

WorkAlone/With Others:

With others.

Benefits:

No financial supportis given, but EACO does not profit from volunteers and aims to make the trip ascost effective as possible in all aspects of the role.

AdditionalLocation Information:

EACO's main office islocated in Ggulu, Kitete, Mukono town, Mukono district, Central Uganda. EACO's projects arepredominately rural, and the office is in a small village, 1 km from a largerUrban area, Mukono town. Mukono is 30minutes by bus from Kampalatown.

SELECTION and SUPPORT

Interview:

No interviews.

Training:

Short-term volunteerstrain through working closely with local volunteers. Longer-term volunteers can benefit from thetraining that local volunteers receive, on counseling, HIV and other relevanttopics.

Supervision:

Volunteer aresupervised by the organization director. When visiting rural areas and schools the volunteer work in partnershipwith other local volunteers.

Accommodation:

Mukono, EACO canarrange for volunteers to stay with a local family or in a guest house. InMaracha the volunteer must stay with the project co-ordinator in the area. Both host families are in rural areas, wherethere is no electricity and basic toilet

Debriefingand Certificates:

Participants canrequest a written reference.

DisabledPolicy:

We can acceptvolunteers with a disability depending on the disability.